The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has become a point of contention for international observers due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The plant is currently occupied by Russia, raising concerns about its safety. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of possibly sabotaging the plant and have been trading accusations.
In June 2023, the Kakhovka Dam was blasted, depriving the Zaporizhzhia plant of cooling water. This incident further heightened concerns about the safety of the nuclear power plant.The perceived risk of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant turning into a real Chernobyl disaster cannot be ruled out. There is a possibility that Ukraine might resort to using arms on the reactor, which could result in the release of radioactive materials. Such an event would have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only Ukraine and Southern Russia but also Europe and potentially even beyond.
The impact of such a disaster would be widespread, as it could potentially contaminate food supplies across the world. The release of radioactive materials into the environment would pose significant health and environmental risks, requiring immediate and coordinated international efforts to mitigate the effects and protect affected populations.It is crucial for the international community to closely monitor the situation, support efforts to de-escalate the conflict, and ensure the safety and stability of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to prevent a catastrophic event with far-reaching consequences.
Ukraine allegations against Russia
Both sides have been claiming that, something big would happen in Zaporzhye Nuclear Power plant.Ukrainean President Zelensky says that Russians would mine the cooling reactor And Today he said that , Russians have placed explosives on the roof of the power plant.Whereas Russians says on the night of 5 July ukrainain side would use suicidal drones to damage the power plant.Whereas,on the other hand Grossi headed IAEA has said everything is fine in the power plant and it’s functioning well.
If we try to understand it & go back almost a month back,we find that Novava Khakhova dam was blown , knowing that the dam was in Kherson oblast ( under Russian control) the dam was of great importance for Russians as – It was used to cool the reactors of Nuclear Power plant.
Since the dam has been exploded,now the Russian side need to depend on alternative sources ( Which means that Ukrainain do have the intention to cause damage to the power plant & the Breaking of the Novava Khakhova dam was 1 step towards it )Also by looking to President Zelensky claims & continues rehotric & dialogue with western partners concerning the safety of power plants ,suggest that he want to use this as a pretext for damaging nuclear power plant & wanted to turn this to the Russian side ( the same which they did to Novava Khakhova dam)
Also,we shouldn’t forget that Ukrainean since start of conflict has been saying that it’s the Russian side which is shelling the power plant ( which looks baseless as the power plant is the Russian control and it’s the Russian troops & technicians that are stationed there & any damages to the power plant ,will first hit the Russian side )Also the damage to power plant will cause impact nearby ,and nations like Belarus ( Russian ally ) would be also be impacted and as thing’s stand where President Putin wanted to win the heart’s of global community particularly Global south against Western aggression & war and by understanding all this ,any Russian lead attack’to power plant doesn’t look true.
Also , threats & the saga of Zaporzhye would continue until the Lithuania NATO meet.Ukraine wanted to please there western partners before to Nato summit so as to swift the process of there NATO inclusion or if not ,than to boost the western aids.And to do this , Counteroffensive was chosen,but they didn’t succeeded in it.( And when they said this yesterday that – ‘the aim of Counteroffensive is not to gain territories ‘.This was testament to the fact that they have failed in it.
So,to find some hopes in upcoming NATO summit,they have replaced Counteroffensive with Zaporzhye Nuclear Power plant.We also find that , suddenly Zaporzhye Nuclear Power plant issue was brought in ( it doesn’t mean,it was not talked,it was ,but was on sidelines in 2023 ,but it came once there Counteroffensive failed)
Also this becomes Interesting when this all story is making news when the Usa senate committee resolution has said that Russian cause damage may invoke Article 5 of NATO .This gives hopes to Ukraine & they might be thinking that , finally they have got a tool to do alternation inside NATO.
